Thin Lens Equation Calculator
Pick the unknown (object distance u, image distance v or focal length f), enter the other two and this tool instantly applies the thin-lens (Gaussian) equation 1/u + 1/v = 1/f, then computes the lateral magnification m = −v/u and classifies the image as real-inverted, virtual-upright or at infinity. Uses the "real-is-positive" Cartesian sign convention adopted by Hecht's Optics and Halliday/Resnick/Walker — the version taught in most physics courses.
Enter valid finite numbers. Object distance, image distance and focal length must not be zero.
Image distance v
15.00 cm
Converging lens (f > 0, convex)
Lateral magnification m
−0.500×
Inverted · Reduced
Image type
Real, inverted image
Light actually converges to form this image — it can be projected onto a screen or sensor. Cameras, projectors and the human eye all use real images.
Working
1/30 + 1/15 = 1/10
Real-is-positive Cartesian sign convention: positive u, v, f mean real object, real image and converging lens; negatives flag virtual / diverging.
Formula
1/u + 1/v = 1/f Lateral magnification m = −v / u Signs: u, v, f > 0 mean real object, real image, converging lens; negatives flag virtual / diverging.
- · Object distance u: distance from the object to the lens' optical centre. Almost always positive in practice (real object in front of the lens).
- · Image distance v: distance from the lens to the image. Positive when the image forms on the far side of the lens (real image — can be projected on a screen); negative when on the same side as the object (virtual image — e.g. through a magnifying glass).
- · Focal length f: positive for a convex / converging lens, negative for a concave / diverging lens.
- · Magnification m = −v / u: |m| > 1 enlarged, |m| < 1 reduced; m < 0 inverted (real image), m > 0 upright (virtual image).
- · When the object sits at the focal point (u = f) the image distance goes to infinity and the rays emerge parallel — the configuration used by collimators and the eyepiece of a telescope.
- · The formula assumes a thin lens (thickness ≪ u, v, f), monochromatic light and paraxial rays (small angles). Real camera lenses require thick-lens equations, spherical / chromatic aberration models and ray-tracing.
- · References: Hecht E., Optics, 5th ed., §5.2; Halliday, Resnick & Walker, Fundamentals of Physics, Ch. 34; CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics — optical-properties tables.
Frequently asked
Why does my magnifying-glass setup give a negative image distance v?
Because the object sits closer than the focal length (u < f) of a converging lens. Plugging into 1/v = 1/f − 1/u gives 1/v < 0, so v < 0 — a virtual image on the same side as the object. The magnification m = −v/u flips to positive (upright) with |m| > 1 (enlarged), exactly what a magnifying glass does: you look through the lens and see an enlarged, upright image that cannot be projected onto a screen.
Can a diverging (concave) lens ever produce a real image?
Not for an ordinary real object. With f < 0 and u > 0, plugging into 1/v = 1/f − 1/u always yields a negative v (virtual, upright, reduced image) regardless of u. A diverging lens can only form a real image when a converging element ahead of it creates a "virtual object" (u < 0) — common in multi-element camera designs and telescope eyepiece compensators.
Which units does this tool use — can I enter mm or m instead of cm?
Yes. The equation 1/u + 1/v = 1/f is dimensionally homogeneous in distance, so the answer is correct as long as u, v and f share the same unit (cm, mm, m, or even inches). The cm label is just for display — type mm and the result comes back in mm. Magnification m is a dimensionless ratio and is unaffected by your choice of unit.
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